Specimen Requirements

Collection Information: 

Special collection media is required. Contact Client Services for media.

Collect sterile E-swab and transport to the Laboratory within 24 hours. Use of sterile transport swab only acceptable by Emergency Department and must be delivered to the laboratory immediately.

Remarks: 

For locations submitting plates, both Chocolate and Thayer Martin media should be inoculated. Plates should be incubated in CO2 environment after inoculation.

Unacceptable Conditions: 

Plates: Not submitted on Chocolate and Thayer Martin media and/or not in special carbon dioxide bag.
Sterile Transport Swabs: Swabs are acceptable if from the Emergency Department and if transported immediately.
eSwab: If specimen is older than 24 hours.

Stability Comments: 

Sterile Transport Swab - Emergency Department Only: Transport swab to the Laboratory IMMEDIATELY